Student Advocate/Counselor (10 Months)
Student Advocate/ Counselor
Medaille University seeks applications for a Student Advocate/Counselor. Under the supervision of the Director of the Student Counseling Center, the Student Advocate/Counselor works collaboratively with the Counseling and Health Center staff, VP of Student Development, Accessibility Services, Academic Support departments and other service professionals on campus to track students with specific challenges to facilitate a successful transition to and retention in the university environment. The successful candidate will possess the background, training, and skills typical of clinical case managers and the NYS licensure and clinical skills required to provide high-quality, culturally sensitive clinical intervention, prevention, crisis and counseling services within the Medaille University community.
Responsibilities will include acting as a Student Advocate providing case management to students with complex mental and physical health problems/comorbidities, developing liaison relationships with campus and community partners (such as Residence Life, Student of Concern/Care Team, Health Services, Academic Support Services, etc.) and crisis intervention. The Student Advocate will also oversee the day to day management of the Student Urgent Needs (SUN) Fund and distribution of needed resources based on student needs. Additionally, the position will serve as liaison to local psychiatric emergency room in order to collaborate in the discharge planning process and ensure these students are discharged to appropriate supportive services on or off campus and assist with community linkage if needed.
Additional duties will include provision of mental health counseling to a case load of approximately 15-20 clients, psycho-educational outreach and programming. This may include coordination of outreach and training requests for behavioral interventions and psycho-education for RAs, student leaders and other student groups; presenting educational workshops on various relevant topics such as: Alcohol and Other Drug Prevention, stress management, etc.; Service to the Division of Student Affairs committees as requested by Director; Consultation to faculty, staff, students and students’ families as needed.
The successful candidate must have a Master's Degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling or related field and a valid license (LMSW, LCSW, LMHC etc) in the State of New York. Three years’ experience post-master’s degree experience with demonstrated skills in individual therapy, consultation, outreach, and crisis intervention. The desire & ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues in an interdisciplinary setting and strong communication & interpersonal skills are essential. Experience in crisis evaluation and safety planning is required. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in case management, community mental health, crisis intervention, working with diverse populations and trauma-informed service delivery, as well as experience working with college students or traditional college age individuals.
Medaille is a growing, private, four-year, liberal arts-based university in Buffalo, New York, serving the educational needs of traditional and non-traditional students in Western New York, Southern Ontario, and Rochester through a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs (www.medaille.edu). Medaille University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and retaining diverse faculty who are supportive of our mission.
Cover letter, resume and three references should be electronically submitted to Barbara Bilotta, Director of Human Resources, Medaille University. Review of applications will continue until position is filled. No phone calls please.
Medaille University is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse faculty, staff and student body. Women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.